Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard combined for 65 points in the Milwaukee Bucks’ latest win over the Houston Rockets. The dynamic duo led the 2021 NBA champions to a 128-119 victory.
Lillard led the way with 39 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. The All-Star point guard matched his season-high scoring total with Milwaukee as he shot a sublime 11/19 from the field and 5/8 from three.
Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo made history by passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most total rebounds in Bucks history. The new franchise leader in rebounding chipped in with 26 points and 17 boards. The Greek Freak has now snagged 7,165 career rebounds for Milwaukee.
After the Rockets win, Antetokounmpo discussed his record-breaking night on the glass and reflected on his journey to the NBA history books.
“It’s a big compliment,” Antetokounmpo said. “Nobody can ever take this away from you. Obviously, there’s going to be another player that’s going to come along in a couple years that’s going to break all of the records, the same way that I don’t think anybody assumed that they would break Kareem’s record. That a kid from Greece – a skinny kid from Greece that was drafted, supposed to play in the G League – be in a position to break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record, I don’t think anybody thought about that.”
NBA NEWS & SCOERS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets Updates
Antetokounmpo also holds the Bucks record for career points, assists, field goals, free throws, and minutes played. Arguably the best player to ever wear a Bucks jersey, he has made a legitimate case for MVP this season. He has posted 31.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game through 25 contests. Two games ago, he detonated for 64 points against the Indiana Pacers and their woeful defense.
In the Bucks backcourt, Lillard flashed his scoring greatness emphatically. He notched his ninth game of 30 points or more this season, all of which the Bucks have won. Lillard has now dropped 35 points or more just three different times.
NBA NEWS & SCOERS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets Updates
Despite a sluggish start to the campaign, Lillard has averaged 25.2 points and 6.9 assists through 23 games. Over his last five outings, he has boosted his production by averaging 26.2 points and 7.6 dimes.
The Bucks will next face the Spurs at home on Dec. 19. Milwaukee’s 19-7 record has them settled into the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference, but the Bucks have won four games in a row and counting. The Bucks also boast a 14-2 record at home.
